Collapsible table

ABSTRACT

A collapsible table includes a table top, at least one shelf and a plurality of folding legs. The legs are attached to the tabletop and are foldable between an extended and erected position and a folded and transport position. The one or more shelves are slidably positioned on the legs and have a nested positions adjacent to the underside of the tabletop and a use positions. In the use positions the shelf or shelves lock the extended legs in place. A hinge or pivot point on the legs is positioned displaced down the legs from the lower surface of the table top a distance approximately the thickness of the shelf or shelves to define the nesting region for the shelves intermediate the folded legs and the underside of the table top. In preferred embodiments, the table top and shelves are blow-molded or rotationally molded of thermopolymers.

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No.61/525,704 filed on Nov. 28, 2003, the same being incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to collapsible tables. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a collapsible table withshelves that is particularly suitable for use in trade shows or thelike.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At tradeshows, vendors and salespersons often use collapsible tables todisplay their products and services. The vendors sometimes bring theirown collapsible large banquet-style tables with them if they aretraveling by ground and with a vehicle large enough to transport thetables. Alternatively, such tables are often available to vendors byrenting them from the facility at which tradeshow is being held.However, the rental tables are usually expensive to rent. In addition topaying for the tables, the vendors are often also charged for the timeand labor that it takes workers to set up and tear down the tables. Whenthe rental tables are not banquet-type tables but rather complex tablesrequiring some level of assembly, the vendors are usually charged forthe time and labor that it takes workers to assemble the tables.Moreover, the rental tables are usually very generic looking and provideno visual impact to tradeshow attendees.

Conventional collapsible banquet-style tables that are commonly used attradeshows can be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,550,404, 6,530,331,6,431,092, and 6,112,674. The banquet-style tables generally have alarge horizontal tabletop and legs that fold up and underneath the tablesurface. The tables are usually very big and heavy and therefore theportability of such tables is severely limited by the large size of thetabletop. Moreover, the banquet-style tables do not have any storage orshelf space nor do they include any customizable skirts or banners. Avendor can tape or clip on a personalized banner, although if the vendoris renting the table, the owner of the venue may not allow such use ofthe tables.

A collapsible display table that addresses some of the above-listedproblems is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,127. U.S. Pat. No.5,865,127 is directed to a collapsible display table with a trussframework that supports a folding tabletop and a shelf. However, otherthan the shelf, the table according to the '127 patent does not providea user with very much storage space. In addition, other than the shroudshown in FIG. 16, the table according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,127 doesnot disclose any type of skirt that can be used to add to the visualimpact of the table. The table of this patent has many componentspresenting an assembly procedure which is more difficult and timeconsuming than is desirable.

Because the general problems discussed above have not been addressed,there is a current need for a cost-efficient collapsible table thattakes up minimal space and can be easily transportable in the collapsedstate. The collapsible table would preferably have no separate discreteparts and would be entirely self-contained. The table further wouldpreferably include a detachable skirt that covers the legs and shelvesof the table and give the user the ability to customize the appearanceof the table. In addition, all of these goals must be achieved while atthe same time the table must facilitate quick and easy setup andteardown of the collapsible table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The collapsible item of furniture according to the present inventionprovides a vendor with a lightweight table that is easy to set up to anerected state and to collapse to a collapsed state and meets the needsdescribed above.

In preferred embodiments the principal components of the item offurniture are configured as a table are interconnected andself-contained; the principle components remain part of the assembly inthe collapsed state. The table preferably includes the principlecomponents of a tabletop, at least one shelf and a plurality of foldinglegs. The legs are attached to the tabletop and are foldable between anextended and erected position and a folded and transport position or acollapsed state. The one or more shelves are slidably positioned on thelegs and have a nested position adjacent to the underside of thetabletop and a use position. In the use position the shelf locks theextended legs in place. A hinge or pivot point on the legs is positioneddisplaced down the legs from the lower surface of the tabletop adistance approximately the thickness of the shelf or shelves to define asuitable nesting region for the shelves intermediate the folded legs andthe underside of the tabletop.

A drawer may be attached to the underside of the tabletop or shelves,providing the vendor with multiple places to store samples, brochures,and other materials during the tradeshows. In preferred embodiments, thetabletop, the shelves, and the drawer may be molded of plastics, forexample by blow molding.

A feature and advantage of the table is that it is easy to erect and tocollapse to the transport configuration by one person.

A feature and advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention isthat the blow or rotationally molded tabletop and shelves provide alightweight and structurally strong and robust piece of furniture.

A feature and advantage of the invention is that a common mold may beused for different shelves. For example the two shelves below the tabletop in a preferred embodiment may be identical although one usescircumferential stops on the legs to secure it in place and the otheruses the horizontal cross member to secure it in place in the erectedstate.

A feature and advantage of the preferred embodiment is that the table isinexpensive to manufacture with lower cost materials and minimal labor.

A feature and advantage of the invention is that means are provided foraccessories such as a post to support video screens or signage.

By bringing a table according to the present invention, a vendor nolonger needs to rent tables at the venue of the tradeshow. Because ofits weight and small size in the collapsed state, the table can easilybe transported in the back seat or trunk of a car and can even bebrought along on an airplane trip. Without the necessity of having torent a table, the collapsible table according to the present inventionis very economical and saves a vendor many rental costs normallyassociated with attending a tradeshow. In addition, a vendor can use acustomizable skirt on the collapsible table that has a visual impact onthe tradeshow attendees.

The invention herein is depicted as a table but it is recognized thatother configurations such as collapsible podiums or stack of shelves mayalso suitably incorporate the invention herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a collapsible table accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top rear perspective view of a collapsible table accordingto an embodiment of the present invention depicting the collapsibletable with a skirt;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a collapsible table according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 a is a rear elevation view of a collapsible table according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 b is a front elevation view of a collapsible table according toan embodiment of the present invention depicting the first shelf at analternate position on the legs;

FIG. 5 is a bottom front perspective view of the tabletop of acollapsible table according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom rear perspective view of the tabletop of acollapsible table according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a bottom rear perspective view of the first shelf of acollapsible table according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top front perspective view of a drawer according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a bottom rear perspective view of a drawer according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a bottom front perspective view of a collapsible tableaccording to an embodiment of the present invention depicting thefoldable legs in a partially nested position;

FIG. 11 is a bottom side perspective view of a collapsible tableaccording to an embodiment of the present invention depicting thefoldable legs in a nested position;

FIG. 12 is a top front exploded view of a collapsible table according tothe present invention;

FIG. 13 is a bottom front exploded view of a collapsible table accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 14 a is a top front perspective view of a collapsible tableaccording to the present invention depicting the table with acustomizable skirt;

FIG. 14 b is a top front perspective view of a collapsible tableaccording to the present invention depicting the table with acustomizable skirt;

FIG. 15 is a top rear perspective view of a collapsible table accordingto the present invention depicting the table with a customizable skirt;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of a leg hinge portion according to thepresent invention depicting the hinge in an extended position; and

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of a leg hinge portion according to thepresent invention depicting the hinge in a folded position.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a kit comprising the invention herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIGS. 1-18, an item of furniture configured as acollapsible table 10 is shown that provides quick and easy setup andtakedown and is highly suitable for use at trade shows. The collapsibletable 10 according to the present invention preferably comprises a tophorizontal member configured as a tabletop 12, a shelf 14, a secondaryshelf 16, a first leg 18, a second leg 20, a third leg 22, and a fourthleg 24. The table also preferably includes a customizable skirt 26removably attached to the collapsible table 10 as depicted in FIGS. 14a, 14 b, and 15.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the tabletop 12 includes a working surface30 and a tabletop underside 40 oriented generally parallel to theworking surface 30, a tabletop front side 32, a tabletop left side 34, atabletop rear side 36, and a tabletop right side 38. The tabletop frontside 32, tabletop left side 34, tabletop rear side 36, and tabletopright side 38 define a periphery 40.1. The tabletop 12 according to thepresent invention further includes a tabletop aperture 42 preferablylocated proximate the tabletop rear side 36 and intermediate thetabletop left side 34 and tabletop right side 38 positioned for use as awire conduit or a holder for a post for signage or a video or messagescreen. A slot 44 located proximate the tabletop right side 38 andintermediate the tabletop front side 32 and tabletop rear side 36 may beused such as for a business card deposit slot. A skirt flange 46 followsthe periphery 40.1 at the tabletop underside 40, and a drawer 48slidably engageable with the tabletop 12.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 a, 4 b, 12, and 13, the tabletop 12further includes a left hanger 50 and a right hanger 52 securely mountedto the tabletop underside 40. The hangers are preferably blow-molded orinjection molded thermoplastic and are connected to the tabletopunderside 40 proximate the tabletop front side 32 using screws. Thehangers can also be connected to the tabletop underside 40 with bolts,nails, rivets, by welding or other fastening means. Alternatively, thehangers can be integrally formed with the tabletop 12, for exampleduring the molding process.

The skirt flange 46 as can be seen in FIG. 5 comprises a flange outersurface 54 and a flange inner surface 56 and is preferably integrallyattached to the tabletop 12. The skirt flange 46 projects from thetabletop underside 40 and extends along the tabletop left side 34,tabletop rear side 36, and tabletop right side 38. It is contemplatedthat the skirt flange 46 be integral with the tabletop 12. The skirtflange 46 may extend fully or partially around the periphery 40.1. Thereis preferably a plurality of support members 58 that are integral withthe flange inner surfaces 56 and the tabletop underside 40 that providethe skirt flange 46 and tabletop 12 with added rigidity and strength.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the tabletop includes a first channel 60 anda second channel 62 extending lengthwise on the tabletop underside 40.The first channel 60 is located proximate the tabletop front side 32 andsubstantially spans between the tabletop left side 34 and the tabletopright side 38. The second channel 62 is located proximate the tabletoprear side 36 and substantially spans intermediate the tabletop left side34 to the tabletop right side 38. The first channel 60 and the secondchannel 62 preferably include a plurality of channel touch-offs 64preferably spaced equidistantly within the channels providing thechannels with added stability. The channel touch-offs 64 projectupwardly towards the working surface 30 and are preferably rigidlymelted or welded to the working surface 30. The channel touch-offs 64may come into contact with the working surface 30 without melting orwelding to the working surface 30.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 10, and 13, the tabletop underside 40 furtherincludes a left drawer support 66, a right drawer support 68, and atleast one drawer stop 70. The left drawer support 66 and the rightdrawer support 68 are oriented in a direction from the tabletop frontside 32 to the tabletop rear side 36 and the left drawer support 66 andthe right drawer support 68 are preferably parallel to one anotherother. The left drawer support 66, right drawer support 68, and at leastone drawer stop 70 are preferably integrally attached to the tabletop 12but can be constructed of metal, thermoplastics, or other conventionalmaterials and rigidly connected to the tabletop 12 with screws, bolts,rivets, or other fastening means. There is preferably a left slide 72attached to the left drawer support 66 and a right slide 74 rigidlyattached to the right drawer support 68. The slides are preferablyconventionally constructed of steel or aluminum and are connected to thedrawer supports with bolts or screws. The at least one drawer stop 70 isintegrally attached to the tabletop underside 40 and is locatedproximate the tabletop rear side 36 and intermediate the left track 66and the right track 68. The tabletop underside 40 may further include alatch catch 76 located proximate the tabletop front side 32 andintermediate the left drawer support 66 and the right drawer support 68.

Still referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 10, and 13, the tabletop underside 40 mayinclude a plurality of tabletop touch-offs 78. The tabletop touch-offs78 are generally dispersed about the tabletop bottom surface 40 andformed into the tabletop 12 during the manufacturing process to addfurther stability and support to the tabletop 12. The tabletoptouch-offs 78 project upwardly from the tabletop underside 40 towardsthe working surface 30 and are preferably rigidly melted or welded tothe working surface 30. However, it is also contemplated that thetabletop touch-offs 78 come into contact with the working surface 30without melting or welding to the working surface 30.

The tabletop 12 is preferably manufactured by blow-molded thermoplasticsuch as polyethylene. However, it is contemplated that the tabletop 12be manufactured using injection molding, rotational molding, or othermethods of thermoplastic forming. In other embodiments of the presentinvention, the tabletop 12 and shelves could be constructed of materialssuch as wood, wood products, metal, or other materials.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the drawer 48 has a drawer front edge 80 anda drawer rear edge 82, a drawer left side 84, a drawer right side 86, adrawer top surface 87, and a drawer bottom side 88. The drawer 48 mayhave an utensil tray 90 located proximate the drawer front edge 80, adrawer handle 92 located on the drawer front edge 80, and a main tray 94having a tray bottom surface 96. The drawer 48 includes a left flange 98that projects from the drawer left side 84 and extends from the drawerfront edge 80 to the drawer rear edge 82 and a right flange 100 thatprojects from the drawer right side 86 and extends from the drawer frontedge 80 to the drawer rear edge 82. The drawer 48 also preferablyincludes a latch configured as a detent 102 that projects from thedrawer top surface 87 and is located at a position intermediate thedrawer left side 84 and the drawer right side 86. The drawer bottom side88 preferably includes a plurality of reinforcing recesses 104. As shownin FIGS. 12 and 13, the plurality of reinforcing recesses 104 arepreferably parallel to each other and extend between the drawer leftside 84 and the drawer right side 86. The reinforcing recesses 104extend between the drawer bottom side 88 and the tray bottom surface 88.The drawer 48 preferably includes at least one drawer touch-off 106extending between the drawer bottom side 88 and the tray bottom surface96.

The drawer 48 is slidably engageable with the tabletop 12. The leftflange 98 slidably engages with the left hanger 50 and left slide 72 andthe right flange 100 slidably engages with the right hanger 52 and rightslide 74. As the drawer 48 slides from the tabletop front side 32towards the tabletop rear side 36, the left flange 98 slidably engageswith the left slide 72 and the right flange 100 slidably engages withthe right slide 74. The drawer 48 preferably slides completely into thetabletop 12 until the drawer rear edge 82 comes into contact with the atleast one drawer stop 70. When the drawer 48 is completely into thetabletop 12, as seen in FIG. 1, the drawer rear edge 82 is in contactwith the at least one drawer stop 70 and the drawer front edge 80 ispreferably flush with the tabletop front side 32. The drawer 48 rests onthe left hanger 50, the right hanger 52, the left slide 72, and theright slide 74. The detent 102 engages with the latch catch 76 toprevent the drawer 48 from freely sliding out of the tabletop 12.

The drawer 48 is preferably blow molded thermoplastic. However, thedrawer 48 could alternatively be manufactured using injection molding,rotational molding, or other methods of thermoplastic forming. In otherembodiments of the present invention, the drawer 48 could be constructedof materials such as wood, metal or wood products.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, and 13, the plurality of legscomprises the first leg 18, the second leg 20, the third leg 22, and thefourth leg 24. Each includes a proximal or top portion 108, a distal orbottom portion 110, a stop portion 112, and a pivot or hinge portion114. As seen in FIG. 12, each top portion 108 includes a head 116 and atop hinge end 118. Each bottom portion 110 includes a foot 120 and abottom hinge end 122. The foot 120 preferably includes a foot cap 124slidably engageable with the foot 120.

The hinge portion 114 can be seen in FIGS. 16 and 17 and includes a tophinge portion 126 and a bottom hinge portion 128 each with attachmentdivots 129. The top hinge portion 126 and the bottom hinge portion 128are pivotally attached with a pin or bolt. The bottom hinge portion 128has a stop surface 120 that cooperates with a stop surface 131 on thetop hinge portion 126 to allow the hinge to open to only 180°. Thebottom hinge portion 128 is slidably joined to the bottom hinge end 122and the top hinge portion 126 is slidably joined to the top hinge end118. When the hinge portion 114 is joined to the top portion 108 and thebottom portion 110, the top portion 108 and the bottom portion 110 arepivotable about the pin or bolt connecting the top hinge portion 126 andthe bottom hinge portion 128. The top portions 108 and the bottomportions 110 of the second leg 20, third leg 22, and fourth leg 24 arepreferably connected in a similar manner.

The top portion 108 of each leg is preferably shorter than the bottomportion 110. The overall length of the first leg 18, the second leg 20,the third leg 22, and the fourth leg 24 are preferably equal. The topportions 108 of the first leg 18 and the second leg 20 are preferablyequal in length and preferably slightly shorter than the top portions108 of the third leg 22 and the fourth leg 24. The bottom portions 110of the third leg 22 and the fourth leg 24 are preferably equal in lengthand slightly shorter than the bottom portions 110 of the first leg 18and the second leg 20. The first leg 18, second leg 20, third leg 22,and fourth leg 24 each include a stop portion 112 located proximate thebottom hinge ends 122. The stop portion 112 is preferably comprised of afirst half 129 and a second half 130 and the stop portions 112 aregenerally connected to the legs with a bolt or screw.

The first leg 18, second leg 20, third leg 22, and fourth leg 24 arepreferably constructed of steel tubing and can be attached to the hingeportion by inserting the top or bottom hinge portion inside the tubingand deforming the tubing at the divots, but can be constructed of othermetals, thermoplastics, wood, composite, or other suitable materials.

The first leg 18 is preferably rigidly connected to the second leg 20with a first support bar 132. The third leg 22 is preferably rigidlyconnected to the fourth leg 24 with a second support bar 134. The firstsupport bar 132 and the second support bar 134 are preferablyconstructed of tubular steel but could be constructed of other metals,thermoplastics, wood, or other suitable materials. The legs can beconnected to the support bars using a number of different methods,including but not limited to weldaments, screws, bolts, clamps or otherconnecting means.

The first leg 18 is rigidly connected to the fourth leg 24 with a firstconnection member 136. The second leg 20 is rigidly connected to thethird leg 22 with a second connection member 138. The first connectionmember 136 and second connection member 138 are preferably constructedof stamped steel but could be constructed of aluminum, thermoplastic,wood, or wood products. The first leg 18 could also be hingedly attachedto the fourth leg 24 with the first connection member 136 and the secondleg 20 could be hingedly attached to the third leg 22 with the secondconnection member 138.

The first connection member 136 and the second connection member 138 arerigidly connected to the tabletop 12. The first connection member 136slidably engages with the first channel 60 and the second connectionmember 138 slidably engages with the second channel 62. The firstconnection member 136 and second connection member 138 are thenpreferably rigidly connected to the channels with screws or bolts.

Referring to the figures, particularly FIGS. 1, 7, 12, and 13, detailsof the shelves 14 and 16 are illustrated. The shelves include a shelftop surface 140, a shelf bottom surface 142, a shelf front edge 144, ashelf rear edge 146, a shelf left side 148, and a shelf right side 150.The shelf top surface 140 and the shelf bottom surface 142 are generallyparallel or have parallel portions to each other. The shelf front edge144, shelf rear edge 146, shelf left side 148, and shelf right side aregenerally oriented perpendicularly to the shelf top surface 140 and theshelf bottom surface 150. The shelf also preferably includes a first legaperture 152, a second leg aperture 154, a third leg aperture 156, afourth leg aperture 158, and shelf orifice 160. The first leg aperture152 is located proximate the intersection of the shelf front edge 144and the shelf left side 148. The second leg aperture 154 is locatedproximate the intersection of the shelf left side 148 and the shelf rearedge 146. The third leg aperture 156 is located proximate theintersection of the shelf rear edge 146 and the shelf right side 150.The fourth leg aperture 158 is located proximate the intersection of theshelf right side 150 and the shelf front edge 144. The leg apertures arepreferably slightly smaller in size than the stop portions 112. It iscontemplated that the leg apertures comprise a grommet that is slidablyinserted into the apertures. The shelf also includes a shelf orifice 160that, as shown in the figures, is located proximate the tabletop rearedge 146 and intermediate the shelf left side 148 and the shelf rightside 150, but could be located on any portion of the shelf 14.

The shelf bottom surface 142 includes a first support bar cutout 162 anda second support bar cutout 164. The first support bar cutout 162preferably spans the distance between the first leg aperture 152 and thesecond leg aperture 154 and is substantially the same size as the firstsupport bar 132. The second support bar cutout 164 spans the distancebetween the third leg aperture 156 and the fourth leg aperture 158 andis substantially the same size as the second support bar 134. The firstsupport bar cutout 162 and a second support bar cutout 164 preferablyinclude a plurality of cutout touch-offs 166 providing the cutouts withadded stability. The cutout touch-offs 166 project upwardly from thecutouts to the shelf top surface 140 and are preferably rigidly meltedor welded to the shelf top surface 140. However, it is also contemplatedthat the cutout touch-offs 166 come into contact with the shelf topsurface 140 without melting or welding to the shelf top surface 140.

The shelf bottom surface 142 further preferably includes at least onestrengthening recess 168. The at least one strengthening recess 168preferably spans a distance slightly less than the distance between thefirst support bar cutout 162 and the second support bar cutout 164. Theat least one strengthening recess 168 projects upwardly from the shelfbottom surface 142 and are preferably rigidly melted or welded to theshelf top surface 140. However, it is also contemplated that the atleast one strengthening recess 168 comes into contact with the shelf topsurface 140 without melting or welding to the shelf top surface 140.

The shelf bottom surface 142 further includes a plurality of shelftouch-offs 170 preferably located around the perimeter of the shelf 14.The shelf touch-offs 170 are generally formed in the shelf 14 during themanufacturing process and add further stability and support to the shelf14. The shelf touch-offs 170 project upwardly from the shelf bottomsurface 142 towards the shelf top surface 140 and are preferably rigidlymelted or welded to the shelf top surface 140. However, it is alsocontemplated that the shelf touch-offs 170 come into contact with theshelf top surface 140 without melting or welding to the shelf topsurface 140.

The secondary shelf 16 has substantially the same structure as the shelf14. The secondary shelf 16 includes a first leg aperture 152, a secondleg aperture 154, a third leg aperture 156, a fourth leg aperture 158,and a shelf orifice 160. The leg apertures on the secondary shelf arelarger than the stop portions 112. The bottom surface 142 on thesecondary shelf 16 also includes a first support bar cutout 162, asecond support bar cutout 164, at least one strengthening recess 168,and a plurality of shelf touch-offs 170. Because the shelf 14 and thesecondary shelf 16 include substantially the same features, the shelf 14and the secondary shelf 16 can be interchangeable.

The shelf 14 and secondary shelf 16 are preferably blow moldedthermoplastic, such as polyethylene. However, the shelf 14 and secondaryshelf 16 could alternatively be manufactured using injection molding,rotational molding, or other methods of thermoplastic forming. In oneembodiment of the present invention the shelf 14 and secondary shelf 16could be constructed of materials such as metal, wood, or wood products.

The customizable skirt 26 is depicted in FIGS. 14 a, 14 b, and 15. Theskirt 26 is preferably removably connected to the skirt flange 46 usinghook and loop fasteners (“Velcro®”). It is contemplated that the skirt26 be connected to the skirt flange 46 in a number of other ways,including but not limited to, magnetic strips, clamps, clips, snaps orother conventional attachment means. The skirt 26 is preferablyconnected to the collapsible table 10 in a manner that allows the userto remove and attach the skirt 26 quickly. The skirt 26 is preferablyconstructed of sheet material such as cardboard or fabric, but can beconstructed of other wood products, paper, or plastic. The skirt 26allows a user to customize the appearance of the collapsible table 10.As can be seen in FIG. 14 a, a customizable skirt 26 preferably includesa plurality of slats or strips 27 defined by thin recesses, which allowthe customizable skirt 26 to be formed around the skirt flange 46 orperiphery 40.1 of the tabletop 12. The slats also allow a user to rollup the customizable skirt 26 into a compact roll or shape when it is notin use.

To initially assemble the collapsible table 10, the secondary shelf 16is placed onto the legs. At this point, the stop portions 112 are notyet connected to the legs. Also, at this point, the first leg 18 is notconnected to the fourth leg 24 with the first brace member 136 and thesecond leg 20 is not connected to the third leg 22 with the second bracemember 138. The first leg 18 slides into the first leg aperture 152 ofthe secondary shelf 16. The second leg 20 slides into the second legaperture 154 of the secondary shelf 16. The third leg 22 slides into thethird leg aperture 156 of the secondary shelf 16. The fourth leg 24slides into the fourth leg aperture 158 of the secondary shelf 16. Thesecondary shelf 16 slides down the legs over the top portions 108 andthe bottom portions 110 until the secondary shelf 16 lands onto thefirst support bar 132 and the second support bar 134. When the secondaryshelf 16 is resting on the support bars, the first support bar 132slidably fits into the first support bar cutout 162 of the secondaryshelf 16 and the second support bar 134 slidably fits into the secondsupport bar cutout 164 of the secondary shelf 16. Preferably the supportbars are substantially the same size as the support bar cutouts and thesupport bars and support bar cutouts frictionally fit together.

After the secondary shelf 16 has been placed onto the legs and thesecondary shelf 16 is resting on the support bars, the first half 128and second half 130 of the stop portions 112 are connected to the legs.The stop portions 112 are preferably constructed of injection-moldedthermoplastic and are connected to the legs with screws. The stopportions 112 could also be connected to the legs using a number ofdifferent methods, including but not limited to screws, bolts, rivets,or other suitable connecting means. As can be seen in FIG. 4 b, the stopportions 112 can be selectively placed at a desired position (e.g.,position 112 a or position 112 b) on the legs. By doing so, the heightof the first shelf 14 can be placed at a desired position (position 14 aor position 14 b) on the legs.

Next, the shelf 14 is placed onto the legs. The first leg 18 slides intothe first leg aperture 152 of the shelf 14. The second leg 20 slidesinto the second leg aperture 154 of the shelf 14. The third leg 22slides into the third leg aperture 156 of the shelf 14. The fourth leg24 slides into the fourth leg aperture 158 of the shelf 14. The shelf 14slides down the legs until the shelf 14 lands onto the stop portions112. Because the shelf apertures are slightly smaller in size than thestop portions 112, the stop portions 112 hold the shelf 14 vertically inposition.

The first leg 18 and the fourth leg 24 are then rigidly connected withthe first brace member 136. The first brace member 136 is preferablyconnected to the first leg 18 and the fourth leg 24 using weldaments.The second leg 20 and the third leg 22 are rigidly connected with thesecond brace member 138. The second brace member 138 is preferablyconnected to the second leg 20 and the third leg 22 using weldaments.Finally, the legs and brace members are rigidly connected to thetabletop. The first brace member 136 is connected to the first channel60 using bolts or screws. The second brace member 138 is rigidlyconnected to the second channel 62 using bolts or screws.

Once the collapsible table 10 is assembled, it can be used in an uprightuse position for using the collapsible table 10 or collapsed into anested position for easy storage or transport. To collapse the table 10into the nested position, the skirt 26 is removed from the skirt flange46. Next, the table 10 is arranged so that the working surface 30 isfacing downward or on the ground. The shelf 14, with the aid of gravityand the user, will fall downward and pass slide over the leg topportions 108 so that the top surface 140 of the shelf 14 lies adjacentto the tabletop underside 40. As the shelf 14 falls downward, it remainssubstantially parallel to the tabletop 12.

Next, the secondary shelf 16, with the aid of gravity and the user, willfall so that the top surface 140 of the secondary shelf 16 slides overthe legs bottom portions 110, the stop portions 112, the top portions108, and the top surface 140 of the secondary shelf 16 will come intocontact with the bottom surface 142 of the shelf 14. As the secondaryshelf 16 falls downward, it remains substantially parallel to thetabletop 12.

After that, the two legs with the shorter top portions 108, the firstleg 18 and second leg 20 as depicted in the figures, are folded from theextended portion to a folded position such that the top portion 108 issubstantially perpendicular to the bottom portion 110. The legs willhold the shelf 14 and secondary shelf 16 into a nested position.Finally, the two legs with longer top portions 108, the third leg 22 andthe fourth leg 24 as depicted in the figures, are folded from theextended position to a folded position such that the top portion 108 issubstantially perpendicular to the bottom portion 110. The third leg 22and fourth leg 24 being folded from an extended position to a foldedposition can be seen in FIGS. 14-17. The table in a fully collapsedstate can be seen in FIGS. 18-20. When the table 10 is in the fullycollapsed state, the legs retain the shelves in a nested position.

To reverse the procedure and set the collapsible table 10 up into itsuse position, the third leg 22 and the fourth leg 24 are unfolded from afolded position to an extended position. Then the first leg 18 andsecond leg 20 are unfolded from their folded position to an extendedposition. The table 10 is then flipped over so that the feet 120 on thefirst leg 18, second leg 20, third leg 22, and fourth leg 24 are on theground.

The secondary shelf 16 will slide down the legs over the top portions108 and the bottom portions 110 until the secondary shelf 16 lands ontothe first support bar 132 and the second support bar 134. When thesecondary shelf 16 is resting on the first support bar 132 and secondsupport bar 134, the first support bar 132 slidably fits into the firstsupport bar cutout 162 of the secondary shelf 16 and the second supportbar 134 slidably fits into the second support bar cutout 164 of thesecondary shelf 16. Because the support bars are substantially the samesize as the support bar cutouts, the support bars and support barsfrictionally fit together.

Next, the shelf 14 slides down the legs over the top portions 108 untilthe shelf 14 lands onto the stop portions 112. Because the leg apertureson the shelf 14 are slightly smaller in size than the stop portions 112,the shelf is wedged onto the stop portions 112 and the stop portions 112preclude the shelf 14 past the stop portions 112. When in the useposition, the shelf 14 and the secondary shelf 16 provide the table withstability and lock the foldable legs into place. Finally, thecustomizable skirt 26 may be attached to the skirt flange 46 withVelcro®.

Although the table 10 according to the present invention is depicted anddescribed comprising four legs, it is contemplated that the table couldbe constructed with as few as two legs. For example, the table could beconstructed of two, three, five, or any other number of legs and stillembody the inventive features of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18, the table is highly suitable for use as a displaytable at a trade show. As such, the invention also includes the “kit” ofan enclosure such as a bag 200 along with the collapsible table 10 andskirt 26. The collapsed table and folded skirt fit with the closeablebag 200.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the apertures 42, 106, 160 may support apost 220 that supports a display device 222 such as a flat screen orsignage.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a collapsible shelfsystem. A collapsible shelf system preferably comprises substantiallythe same structure and components of the collapsible table 10. However,the collapsible shelf system preferrably comprises at least threeshelves. In addition, the dimensions of the shelf system wouldpreferably be selected so that the collapsible shelf system could beused as a shelf. In a collapsed configuration, the at least threeshelves of the collapsible shelf system would preferably rest against ashelf top that is similar to the tabletop 12 of the collapsible table10. When the collapsible shelf system is in a use position, the at leastthree shelves would slide down the legs of the shelf system and restupon a plurality of stop portions included on the legs. In certainembodiments the legs could have holes extending there through to permitadjustability and additional shelves by insertion of stop portionsconfigured as simple as removable pins.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a collapsible podium. Acollapsible podium preferably comprises substantially the same structureand components of the collapsible table 10. However, the dimensions ofthe podium would preferably be selected so that the collapsible podiumcould be used as a podium when in a use position and collapsed into acollapsed configuration when not in use.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; and it is,therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made tothe appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicatethe scope of the invention.

1. A collapsible table comprising: a tabletop having a working surfaceand a bottom side; a plurality of foldable legs attached to the bottomside, wherein the foldable legs each have a folded position and anextended position; and a shelf slidably attached to the foldable legs,the shelf movable upwardly and downwardly on the foldable legs between anested position and a use position when the foldable legs are in theextended position.
 2. The collapsible table of claim 1, whereby theshelf remains substantially parallel to the tabletop as it movesupwardly and downwardly on the foldable legs between the nested positionand the use position.
 3. The collapsible table of claim 1, wherein thefoldable legs have a stop portion and wherein when the legs are in theextended position the stop portion precludes the shelf from movingdownward past said stop portion.
 4. The collapsible table of claim 1,wherein when the shelf is in the nested position the shelf lays adjacentto the bottom side of the tabletop and wherein when the shelf is in theuse position the shelf rests on the stop portions.
 5. The collapsibletable of claim 1, wherein when the shelf is in the use position, theshelf locks the foldable legs into place.
 6. The collapsible table ofclaim 1, wherein the shelf is non-separable from the legs.
 7. Acollapsible table comprising: a tabletop having a working surface and abottom side; a plurality of foldable legs attached to the bottom side,wherein the foldable legs each have a folded position and an extendedposition; a shelf slidably attached to the foldable legs, the shelfmovable upwardly and downwardly on the plurality of legs between a useposition and a nested position, and wherein when the foldable legs arein the folded position the shelf is retained in the nested position. 8.The collapsible table of claim 7, wherein when the shelf is in thenested position, the shelf lays adjacent to the bottom side of thetabletop.
 9. The collapsible table of claim 7, wherein the shelf isnon-separable from the legs.
 10. A collapsible table comprising: atabletop having a working surface and a bottom side; a plurality offoldable legs attached to the bottom side, the legs each having a foldedposition and an extended position; a shelf slidably attached to thefoldable legs; and a secondary shelf slidably attached to the foldablelegs.
 11. The collapsible table of claim 10, wherein the shelf and thesecondary shelf are movable upwardly and downwardly on the foldable legsbetween a nested position and a use position when the foldable legs arein the extended position.
 12. The collapsible table of claim 10, wherebythe shelf and the secondary shelf remain substantially parallel to thetabletop as the shelf and the secondary shelf move upwardly anddownwardly on the foldable legs between the nested position and the useposition.
 13. The collapsible table of claim 10, wherein when the shelfand the secondary shelf are in the use position, the shelf locks thefoldable legs into place.
 14. The collapsible table of claim 10, whereinthe foldable legs have a stop portion wherein when the legs are in theextended position the stop portion precludes the shelf from movingdownward past said stop portion.
 15. The collapsible table of claim 10,wherein the foldable legs have a secondary stop portion and wherein whenthe legs are in the extended position the stop portions preclude thesecondary shelf from moving downward past said secondary stop portion.16. The collapsible table of claim 10, wherein when the foldable legsare in the folded position the shelf and the secondary shelf areretained in the nested position.
 17. The collapsible table of claim 10,wherein the shelf and the secondary shelf are non-separable from thelegs.
 18. A collapsible table comprising: a tabletop having a workingsurface and a bottom side; a plurality of foldable legs attached to thebottom side, the legs each having a folded position and an extendedposition; and a shelf slidably attached to each of the foldable legs,wherein the shelf is non-separable from the foldable legs.
 19. Thecollapsible table of claim 18 having a secondary shelf slidably attachedto each of the foldable legs.
 20. The collapsible table of claim 19,wherein the secondary shelf is non-separable from the foldable legs. 21.A method of manufacturing a collapsible table, the method comprising thesteps of: forming a table top; forming a shelf; attaching legs to thetable top such that they have an extended support position and arefoldable to a retracted position; and slidably mounting a shelf on theplurality of legs, with the shelf slidable on the legs between a useposition distal from the table top and a nested position proximal to thetable top such that the shelf is not separable from the plurality oflegs after mounting.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising thestep of blow-molding the tabletop.
 23. The method of claim 22, furthercomprising the step of blow-molding the shelf.
 24. The method of claim21, further comprising the step of forming a secondary shelf andslidably mounting a shelf on the plurality of legs.
 25. A Method ofmanufacturing a collapsible table, the method comprising the steps of:blow-molding a table top; blow-molding a shelf with four apertures fortable legs; attaching legs to the table top such that they have anextended support position and are foldable to a retracted position; andslidably mounting the shelf on the plurality of legs extending throughthe four openings, the shelf slidable on the legs between a use positiondistal from the table top and a nested position proximal to the tabletop such that the shelf is not separable from the plurality of legsafter mounting.
 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the stepof blow-molding a secondary shelf with four apertures for table legs andslidably mounting said secondary shelf on the plurality of legsextending through the four openings, the secondary shelf slidable on thelegs between a use position distal intermediate from the tabletop andthe shelf, and a nested position proximal intermediate from the tabletopand the shelf.
 27. The method of claim 26, further wherein the tabletop,shelf, and secondary shelf are not separable from the plurality of legsafter mounting.
 28. A method of setting up a collapsible tablecomprising the steps of: unfolding a plurality of legs attached to atable top to an extending support position thereby releasing at leastone shelf from a captured position adjacent the table top; and slidingthe shelf from the captured postion adjacent the table top down theplurality of legs to a stop position on the plurality of legs wherebythe shelf provides structural support to the legs when in the extendedposition.
 29. A display kit comprising: a) a collapsible tablecomprising: a tabletop with an underside and a periphery; a plurality offoldable legs attached to the underside; and a shelf slidably engagedwith the foldable legs the shelf movable between the nested positionadjacent the underside of the tabletop and a use position distallypositioned on the legs; b) a skirt attachable to the periphery of thetabletop; and c) an enclosure sized for containing the collapsible tableand skirt and closable to contain the collapsible table and skirt.
 30. Acollapsible item of furniture having a collapsed state and a fullyerected state, the piece of furniture comprising: a top horizontalmember with a upwardly facing substantially flat use surface and anunderside; and a plurality of foldable legs attached to the underside ofsaid top horizontal member, the foldable legs each having a lowerfolding portion wherein when the item is in the collapsed state, thefoldable portion of said legs lay in a folded position substantiallyparallel to the top horizontal member, and an extended position whereinwhen the item is in the fully erected state, the foldable portion ofsaid legs extend downwardly for engagement with a floor surface; thepiece of furniture further characterized in that a lower shelf member isslidingly engaged with the foldable legs and movable between a nestingposition when the piece of furniture is in the collapsed state whereinthe lower shelf member lays in proximity to the underside of the tophorizontal member intermediate said top horizontal member and thefoldable portions of said folded legs and a use position wherein thelower shelf member is slid down the legs to a use position below thenesting position.